Valentino Rossi Injury: Rider Well-Wishes

On a day overshadowed by the crash and injury suffered by Valentino Rossi (during the Saturday MotoGP free practice), who will miss several races, the impact of his departure sent ripples through the racing paddock.

The resounding effects of rubber losing grip with the pavement, even for a split second, will be catastrophic to the the Doctor’s championship hopes.

Riders and team managers from across pit-lane had many kind words and well wishes for the Italian racing star. Rossi has built not only a winning race record but also the upmost degree of admiration and respect from his fans and competitors alike.

This Rossi injury comes on top of the motocross training accident, where we originally reported that he had only "bruised" his shoulder. But during later interviews, he admitted that his shoulder "tried to come out," and is still causing the 31-year-old pain, which ultimately affects his riding.

MotoGP Paddock Well-Wishes for VR46…

Dani Pedrosa says: "I didn’t see Rossi’s crash, but what I’ve heard about the injury doesn’t sound good. It’s a pity because all of us riders know how you feel when you are hurt, and I just hope that the operation goes well for him because the first operation is always the most important".

Jorge Lorenzo says: "Firstly I want to say how sad I am for Valentino. I know how bad it is to be injured, especially at your home race, and it looks very painful for him. I hope he recovers quickly because the championship will not be the same without him."

Wilco Zeelenberg says: "We want to say how sorry we are for Valentino; everyone wants to beat him but only on the racetrack and all the riders and our team members are sad that he has so much pain and that he can’t race."

Casey Stoner says: "I feel sorry for Valentino because all three guys on the front row know what it’s like to be injured and miss races. It will be hard for him to even train so I wish him all the best with his recovery."

Nicky Hayden says: "It’s a real bummer about Valentino because on the track he’s a warrior. He’s good for the racing, he’s good for the show and even though he never makes it easy for us we all respect him and nobody wants to see a colleague in pain like that. I’m sorry for him and his fans and just wish him to get well soon."

Andrea Dovizioso says: "It’s a real shame about Valentino’s injury. It’s always very bad when a rider crashes like this and I’m very sorry for him. I wish him a quick recovery and send him all the best".

Colin Edwards says: "I feel sorry for Valentino and Yamaha and I wish him a speedy recovery because the championship is not the same without him."

Ben Spies says: "It’s a shame for the championship and for Yamaha that Valentino is injured but I’m sure we’ll see him back soon and just as hard to beat.

Marco Simoncelli says: "Obviously the incident with Valentino will take away from the show. Ever since I began watching racing I´ve never seen a race without him in it. I´m really gutted for him and all I can say is `get well soon´."